Trump Expected to Appoint Pro-Israel Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State

Former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering Florida Senator Marco Rubio for the role of Secretary of State in a potential second term, according to sources close to the matter. Rubio, a staunch pro-Israel advocate, has long been one of the most vocal supporters of Israeli policy in the U.S. Senate, making him a key figure in Trump’s foreign policy plans should he win the 2024 presidential election.

The speculation comes as Trump prepares for a possible return to the White House, where he would seek to build on his first administration’s foreign policy legacy, including his strong support for Israel. Trump, who remains a dominant figure in the Republican Party, is widely expected to run again in 2024. If he secures another term, appointing Rubio as Secretary of State would send a clear signal of continuity in U.S.-Israel relations, which became a hallmark of Trump’s presidency.

Rubio, who has represented Florida in the Senate since 2011, has been a fierce advocate for Israel throughout his political career. Known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, Rubio has consistently supported Israel’s right to defend itself and has opposed moves that he views as detrimental to the U.S.-Israel alliance. His stance on Israel has garnered him significant praise from pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has long been influential in shaping U.S. policy toward the Middle East.

Trump’s first term saw several significant shifts in U.S.-Israel relations, including moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 2018, recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and brokering the Abraham Accords — agreements normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. These actions were hailed as historic and earned Trump strong praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as from many American Jewish groups who viewed the moves as a long-overdue recognition of Israel’s legitimacy.

Should Trump select Rubio for the position of Secretary of State, it would be seen as an extension of these pro-Israel policies, with the senator’s experience and longstanding commitment to the Israeli cause making him an ideal candidate to oversee American diplomacy. Rubio’s reputation for strong leadership and experience on foreign affairs, including his role on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also positions him as a key figure in shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East, particularly regarding Iran and its nuclear ambitions.

In addition to his pro-Israel stance, Rubio’s potential nomination is significant for another reason: his appeal to the Republican base. Rubio, who ran for president in 2016, has remained a powerful voice within the party. His endorsement of Trump in the 2020 election and his alignment with many of the former president’s policy goals have helped him maintain a strong position within the party. His selection as Secretary of State would be seen as an effort to unify the Republican establishment around a common foreign policy vision, especially as the party seeks to regain control of the White House in the wake of Biden’s presidency.

Critics of Trump’s foreign policy approach during his first term, however, have raised concerns about the potential for a second term to continue what they view as a dangerously isolationist or “America First” approach. Some argue that appointing Rubio as Secretary of State could further solidify a policy that prioritizes unilateral decisions and aligns the U.S. too closely with the interests of Israel, sometimes at the expense of broader Middle Eastern stability or the rights of Palestinians.

While Rubio’s stance on Israel has won him many allies, it has also attracted criticism from those who believe that a more balanced approach is needed in the region. The senator has often faced backlash from progressive groups and some Democrats who accuse him of being too supportive of Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank, and who argue for a more even-handed U.S. approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

As of now, Trump has not confirmed any Cabinet appointments for a potential second term, but the speculation about Rubio’s future role in a Trump administration is gaining traction. Given Rubio’s track record and his alignment with Trump on key foreign policy issues, including Israel, it seems likely that he could be a central figure in shaping U.S. diplomacy under a second Trump presidency.

As the 2024 election approaches, foreign policy, particularly the U.S.-Israel relationship, is expected to be a major point of focus. Trump’s pro-Israel policies during his first term have set a high bar for his second-term ambitions, and Rubio’s potential appointment as Secretary of State would likely signal a continuation of these policies.